TL;DR
- The SEC has paused its enforcement case against Justin Sun, with Chair Paul Atkins citing procedural limits and litigation constraints.
- Lawmakers questioned whether political connections influenced the decision to seek a stay.
- The move comes as the agency shifts toward clearer crypto rulemaking and closer coordination with the CFTC under potential reforms such as the CLARITY Act.
The debate over crypto enforcement in the United States intensifies after SEC Chair Paul Atkins publicly supported the agency’s decision to delay proceedings against Tron founder Justin Sun. The pause, requested jointly by both parties earlier this year, places one of the most closely watched digital asset cases on hold while regulators reassess broader policy priorities.
Paul Atkins Supports SEC Delay In Justin Sun Proceedings
During a congressional hearing, Atkins defended the SEC’s handling of the Justin Sun matter. He stated that rules governing active litigation restrict what officials can disclose in public forums. The case, originally filed in 2023, accuses Sun and affiliated entities of conducting unregistered securities offerings and executing more than 600,000 wash trades designed to inflate TRX trading volumes.
In February 2025, the SEC and Sun’s legal team jointly moved to stay the case. A federal court approved the request, suspending procedural deadlines. Atkins told lawmakers that the agency continues to enforce securities laws where they apply, but enforcement decisions must reflect current legal standards and institutional priorities.
The delay occurs as regulators review how digital assets fit within U.S. securities law. Over the past year, the SEC has scaled back or resolved several high-profile actions involving major exchanges and token issuers, signaling a recalibration in crypto oversight strategy.
Lawmakers Question Political Influence And Regulatory Direction
Several Democratic lawmakers pressed Atkins on whether political considerations played a role in the enforcement pause. Representative Maxine Waters raised concerns about Sun’s reported connections to individuals within President Trump’s political circle. She asked whether those relationships influenced the agency’s approach.
Atkins declined to address specific allegations, citing legal constraints. He offered to provide a confidential briefing to members of Congress.
The discussion unfolds alongside efforts to clarify regulatory jurisdiction between the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The proposed CLARITY Act seeks to define oversight responsibilities for digital assets that may function as commodities rather than securities. Atkins confirmed that the SEC is coordinating with the CFTC as lawmakers consider potential reforms.
